Highlights from the match between Orlando City and Inter Miami: Messi nets two goals to secure the victory.
FIFA has shown its backing for Mexico as a host nation for the 2026 World Cup, despite the ongoing cartel-related violence in Guadalajara, as stated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Messi Shines in Comeback Win
It felt like Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had turned on a light switch.
Inter Miami experienced a challenging first half in Orlando, trailing 2-0 at the break after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC the previous week. However, Messi and the Herons emerged from halftime and delivered an outstanding performance in the second half. Inter Miami staged a remarkable comeback, securing a 4-2 win over Orlando City on Sunday, March 1. This victory marked the first occasion that Inter Miami triumphed at Orlando City’s Inter&Co Stadium.
Messi netted two goals during the match. The first was a stunning strike from beyond the 18-yard box that leveled the score at 2-2, completing Inter Miami’s comeback. Later in the game, Messi added a free kick goal, sealing the victory for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami’s Second Half Surge
In an effort to energize his squad’s offense, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano brought on forward Mateo Silvetti after the break. This decision quickly proved fruitful, as Silvetti netted Inter Miami’s inaugural goal of the 2026 MLS season just four minutes into the second half. Following Messi’s equalizer, Telasco Segovia secured the lead for Miami in the 85th minute.
Orlando City, which had been a playoff contender for the last six seasons, has started the 2026 season with two consecutive losses. On the other hand, Inter Miami has managed to secure three points from their initial two matches as they prepare for five away games in MLS before debuting their new venue, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4.
USA TODAY Sports delivered updates and highlights regarding the clash between Orlando City and Inter Miami:
FIFA’s Support for Mexico 2026
After a foul committed by Colin Guske of Orlando City, who received a second yellow card and was subsequently sent off, Inter Miami was awarded a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box during the 90th minute.
Lionel Messi seized the chance and expertly converted the free-kick, increasing Inter Miami’s advantage and nearly guaranteeing that the Herons will leave Inter&Co Stadium with a full three points.
Inter Miami has rediscovered its championship-winning prowess. Telasco Segovia secured the lead for the Herons in the 85th minute during a second half that was predominantly controlled by Inter Miami. Alongside his goal, Segovia contributed two assists, enhancing his performance stats for this match.
Match Highlights and Analysis
Lionel Messi is unstoppable.
The legendary soccer player netted his inaugural goal of the 2026 MLS season during the 57th minute, leveling the match at 2-2.
Just outside the 18-yard box, chaos ensued as Inter Miami maintained possession, aiming for a clear shot on goal. The moment arrived when Messi received the ball and skillfully netted the equalizer.
It’s an exciting matchup in Orlando as MLS presents a thrilling encounter for its “Sunday Night Soccer” feature on Apple TV.
Mateo Silvetti quickly made an impact during the Florida Derby. In the 49th minute, he unleashed a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard area that soared past a diving Maxime Crépeau, the goalkeeper for Orlando City.
Silvetti has achieved his inaugural goal in an MLS regular-season match. Previously, he netted two goals during the playoffs while helping Inter Miami secure the MLS Cup.
In a bid to strengthen their offensive play, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano opted for a substitution right after halftime. This bold decision sees Inter Miami shifting to a formation with three defenders, as they replaced defender Noah Allen with forward Mateo Silvetti.
Inter Miami is set to visit President Donald Trump at the White House to commemorate its 2025 MLS Cup victory prior to an upcoming match against D.C. United, as confirmed by a club source to USA TODAY Sports. The individual requested anonymity since the team had not yet made the announcement public.
Prior to the Orlando City versus Inter Miami game, take a moment to review this recent news about Messi from last week:
A number of pitch invaders interrupted the closing moments of a rescheduled match in Puerto Rico on Thursday, February 26, including one individual who embraced Messi and brought him down as a security officer attempted to control the fan.
After the incident, Messi was unharmed and completed the game. He netted a penalty in the 70th minute, securing a 2-1 victory over the Ecuadorian team Independiente del Valle.
The game came after Inter Miami’s season opener, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat against LAFC on Saturday, February 21.
Can Lionel Messi guide Inter Miami to back-to-back league titles, thereby becoming the first player to win the MLS Cup consecutively since the Los Angeles Galaxy achieved this in 2011-12? Which teams pose the greatest threat to Miami’s dominance in the league? Who will be awarded the league MVP? Which player will net the most goals and secure the Golden Boot?
Experts from the USA TODAY Network share their selections.